MUSIC ROUND-UP 2017

It has been an eventful 2017 for the Pakistani music scene. Some fabulous music was witnessed throughout the year in nearly all genres and domains viz. films, pop-rock, as well as sponsored music projects by corporate firms. Are you ready for a quick rundown of 2017’s most cherished songs?

PATRIOTIC ZEAL

Like every year, Pakistani artistes showed their spirit of jingoism on the Independence Day. A variety of songs were released. Haroon revamped his popular patriotic anthem Dil Say Pakistan in a soulful collaboration with Muniba Mazari, Javed Bashir and Farhan Bogra. Falak pitched in with Aao Mil Ker. Khayal Rakhna – Acapella Version, by Ali Noor – with a new corporate addition to sponsored music. He also came up with the festive Rang De, featuring various artistes who paid tribute to one of Pakistan's most favourite national songs by the legendary Alamgir. The voices featured were those of Zoe Viccaji, Rachel Viccaji, Sara Haider and Ahsan Pervaiz. Coke Studio’s version of National Anthem was also well received.


A YEAR FOR SINGLES

There were many top quality singles released in 2017. Legendary Abida Parveen’s Aahat Si was an amazing number. Whereas Atif Aslam made his presence felt with Pehli Dafa, composed by Shiraz Uppal and penned by Shakeel Sohail. He also released the hit number Younhi.

Talking about some unsung, local and underground talent, The Sibbi Song by Lahore-based duo SomeWhatSuper, featuring Baloch rapper Abid Brohi, revolutionised the music scene with its beat and amalgamation of Sindhi and English rap verses. With over two million hits, the song is already a success. The same crew also came up with Bandook. Similar type of music is that of Players of Lyari by Lyari Underground and Dynoman. Other hits include Lyari Underground’s (LUG) Gushagaye (Gucci Gang Remix ) Khalifa ft. Lil Ak 100 and Kasani by LUG.

Bilal Saeed had a pretty successful year with many hit tracks like No Make Up ft. Bohemia, Suroor ft. Neha Kakkar, and Twinkle Twinkle ft. Young Desi. Similary, Falak had an eventful year with hits like Vichora, Akhiyan, Tera Karam, Indian hit Wafaa from the movie Half Girlfriend, and of course, the hit track Haye Rabba featuring PBN.

Pehla Pyar Medley by Abdullah Qureshi and Parizae Azhar in their ‘love through the ages’ theme, featuring songs like Koko Korina, Aitbar and Pehla Pyar was amazingly melodious.

After the massive success of Pyar Meri Zindagi by Naseebo Lal and Aryan Khan, the duo yet again returned with another super hit song Beparwah starring Billy, while its music was composed by Arbaz Khan.

Jal’s new outing Parinda was a musically attractive number. Main Nahi Manta marked the return of Aaroh after a hiatus, while Chor Day brought back Bilal Khan. Ali Sethi’s Chan Kithan also remained a hit with the masses.

Hadiqa Kiani presented a refreshing new take with her melodious voice on the classic Sufi number Chaap Tilak originally written by Hazrat Amir Khusro in Braj Bhasha as the fifth chapter from Wajd – Volume 1. Hadiqa Kiani is winning hearts once again with her impeccable vocals and also a never-seen-before avatar sporting a very traditional look. The original composition and lyrics of Chaap Tilak were written by Khusro in respect for his spiritual mentor Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya of Delhi. Kamlee Da Dhola, Bhit Ja Bhitai and Aaj Rung Hai have been ruling the Patari charts since their release, as well.

THE STUDIO BIDS ADIEU TO STRINGS

Coke Studio Season 10 turned out to be a farewell outing for Strings. During the four seasons, one thing which remained constant was the comparison between Strings and Rohail Hayat. Well, in my opinion, both units had different forte. Strings’ music was more publicly appealing while Rohail’s was modern. Talking about Season 10, it was an appealing effort. Inarguably, the most sought after track remained Baazi by Aima Baig and Sahir Ali Bagga. Mandatory hit QB numbers were Dekh Tera Kya/ Lathay Di Chaddar in collaboration with Farhan Saeed and Faasley with Kaavish. More hits included Ali Sethi’s Tinak Dhin, Attaullah Essa Khelvi and Sanwal Khelvi’s Sab Maya Hai, Humera Channa’s Mujhse Pehli Si and finally the magical tribute to late Junaid Jamshed, Us Rah Per by Ali Zafar, Strings and Ali Hamza concluded the season.


FILMY MUSIC IN STOCK

With a decent revival of film music, it was merry to witness some real melodious and attention-grabbing numbers this year. Billo Hai from the film Parchi was a major hit, party track sung by Sahara ft. Manj Musik and Nindy Kaur. The song is sure to rock the clubs for the times to come. One witnessed the legendary Abida Parveen singing Phool Khil Jayen from the film Rangreza. Verna had two great tracks – Sambhal Sambhal Kay (a romantic number) and Zinda. Farhan Saeed flexed his vocal chords on Rab Rakha from the movie Punjab Nahi Jaungi, while Tere Naal Naal from the same movie, sung by the maestro Shafqat Amanat Ali, was also a hit in every aspect. Finally, Beliya from Mehrunisa V Lub U, featuring Danish Taimoor, Sana Javed and Javed Sheikh, sung by Armaan Malik, also received massive response.


UNDERGROUND MUSIC RULED THE BATTLE

A fresh breath of air this year was the Battle of the Bands which revived memories of the launch of Aaroh, EP, Call and the likes. The launch song featuring Fawad Khan, Atif Aslam, Meesha Shafi and Shahi Hasan was a cover of veteran musician Alamgir’s Dekha Na Tha. I loved the re-do versions of Hamesha by EP, Jilawatan by Call and Na Kaho by Aaroh. All these songs rekindled memories of the early 2000s. Of the new lot, the winner band Kashmir’s cover of Mera Pyar by Amir Zaki and the runner-up band, Badnaam’s Bismillah Karan was quite impressive. For sure, competitions like these are very important for the growth of our music industry.


RESONATING SOUNDTRACKS

The following remained the most sought after soundtracks of various drama serials:

* Khaani, for Khaani by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
* Muhabbat Karne Waley, for Teri Raza by Ali Sethi
* Rangreza, for O Rangreza by Sahir Ali Bagga ft. Sajal Aly
* Baaghi, for Baaghi by Shuja Haider

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